Nitric oxide(NO)is a vital signal messenger in human and generated by nitric oxide synthase including endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and neuropathic nitric oxide synthase(nNOS). NO has important regulatory function on the immune system, nervous system and many other physiological systems. Endogenous NO can enhance the function of the vascular system and endothelial cell survival, and inhibit platelet accumulation and leukocyte infiltration. Excessive production of NO may damage tissues by cytotoxic and cytostatic effects. Thus, NO plays a dual role in physiology and pathology. This paper gives a brief review on regulatory effects of NOS-NO system by traditional Chinese medicine during the recent five years, so as to provide some clues or references for the treatment of related diseases and scientific evidene for reasonable and effective clinical application.

Objective To explore the nutritional efficacy of compound protein powder formulations from different sources. Methods Three groups of compound protein powder formulations were obtained through scientific blending using soy protein, whey protein and yeast protein as raw materials. The effects of the compound protein powders on nitrogen metabolism, serum biochemical indicators, and pathological changes of liver tissue and epididymal fat in rats were evaluated. Results Compared with the control (casein), the net protein utilization, biological evaluation, and protein efficacy ratio of the compound protein powders in rats were significantly improved, and the changes in these indicators in the formula with the highest whey protein content were most significant among all three formulas. The compound protein powders effectively increased the levels of albumin and globulin, while decreased the content of total cholesterol, indicating beneficial effects on improving immunity and controlling lipid metabolism, with the formula group 2 being the most effective among all three groups. The pathological examination showed that the three groups of protein powder did not have adverse effects on liver tissue and epididymal fat. Conclusion The present study demonstrates that the compound protein powder formulation has nutritional value, which suggests a potential of the application of the compound protein powder formulation in the elderly, and people with special nutritional needs, such as sports people.